Fri. April 29 -- I See Hawks in L.A. singer Rob Waller, the heartiest and most welcoming voice on the modern country scene, celebrates the release of an intriguingly eclectic covers album drawing from the Doors, Nina Simone, the Hollies, Willie Nelson, et al. Expect friends such as Paul Lacques and Marc Doten (Hawks, 00 Spy Car) to staff the band. Instro outlaws Double Naught Spy Car open. In the bar of Taix Restaurant, 1911 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake 90026; around 9:30pm; free; www.taixfrench.com.

Fri.-Sat. April 29-30 -- Anthony Wilson and the Curators present the traditionally rooted guitarist's attractive jazz conceptions. Players such as keyboardist Patrick Warren, drummer Aaron Sterling, pianist Josh Nelson and trumpeter Daniel Rosenboom expand on the music from Wilson's new "Frogtown." At the Blue Whale on the third level of Weller Court Plaza, south of East First Street between South Los Angeles Street and South San Pedro Street, Little Tokyo 90012; 9pm-midnight; $20; 21+; parking $5 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.

Sat. April 30 -- Ambitious pianist Tigran Hamasyan taps Armenian sacred music (the theme of his new ECM album) with members of the Yerevan Chamber Choir. A CAP presentation at UCLA's Royce Hall; 8pm; $19-$59; www.cap.ucla.edu.

Mon. May 2 -- Guitarist Jeff Parker and Chicago groove abstractionists Tortoise are poking their heads out with a new album after a long hibernation. With Fell Runner. At Teragram Ballroom, 1234 W. Seventh St., downtown 90017; 9pm; $25; www.teragramballroom.com.

Tues. May 3 -- Elegant trumpeter Avishai Cohen (not the bassist-pianist of that name) explores the deserts of world music with pianist Shai Maestro, bassist Tal Mashiach and drummer Nasheet Waits. A rather special booking of a top artist. At the Blue Whale on the third level of Weller Court Plaza, south of East First Street between South Los Angeles Street and South San Pedro Street, Little Tokyo 90012; 9pm-midnight; $20; 21+; parking $5 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.